Chelsea have returned to the charge for Benfica’s Enzo Fernández, according to claims from Portugal.
He has a €120m release clause and the Blues had earlier refused to activate it in the winter market.
There are less than 48 hours left in the January window and these are expected to be hectic for the Eagles because of Chelsea’s interest in their star.
That’s according to O Jogo, who state Graham Potter’s side have informed Benfica of their desire to pay €120m to sign the midfielder.
Jorge Mendes is acting as a Chelsea intermediary and after their latest approach, Benfica chief Rui Costa told the super-agent his side don’t intend to let the 22-year-old go. The only way to carry out his deal is by paying his release clause.
The latest approach from the west London club leaves the Portuguese club in a tough spot since the World Cup winner doesn’t want to miss this chance.
Over at Record, they also state Chelsea launch a ‘final and a decisive attack’ to sign the Argentina international.
Chelsea want to pay €120m, but in instalments rather than in one go. Costa has rejected it and isn’t willing to change his stance. The player will only leave if his clause is activated.
A delegation led by Chelsea chief Christopher Vivell plans to make a trip to Lisbon to try to close the deal.
Record state the Blues will only travel if they ‘if they have an irresistible proposal to present and close a deal once and for all’.
They also add the talks between Costa, Mendes and Chelsea are cordial despite moments of tension.
If Chelsea fail to bring Fernández immediately to the club, there could be another solution, which is to agree a deal with Benfica for him to arrive in the summer.
More developments are expected in this case in the next few hours.
